Ponoka RCMP help recover $50,000 worth of stolen property

The investigation was part of a joint effort with the Wetaskiwin and Maskwacis detachments where several people were arrested, say police. This was all part of a crime reduction project in an effort to locate people wanted on outstanding warrants.

During the arrests on Nov. 30 on a rural property, Ponoka Mounties with the general investigative section located the stolen property.

“In total, 12 arrests were made which resulted in the execution of 19 existing arrest warrants, and two new breach charges laid,” said police.

“While effecting one arrest, Ponoka General Investigation Section members located stolen vehicles on a rural property and were able to recover two stolen trucks and a stolen utility trailer, worth approximately $50,000. Three people were arrested and two of three were charged in relation to this property.”

Those arrested include 33-year-old Douglas Walter Chopey, and 30-year-old Kristi Jean Schneider. They are both charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and failing to comply with an undertaking.

Both subjects are remanded in custody and scheduled to appear in court on December 7 at the Provincial Court of Alberta in Ponoka.

“This round up showed positive results, and the recovery of stolen property even more so,” said Sgt. Chris Smiley of Ponoka RCMP Detachment. “We intend to be relentless in implementing different crime reduction strategies, and this cross border collaboration was just one of those strategies.”